There's something about getting behind the wheel that seems to bring out the worst in some people.
Research shows the number of violent road rage incidents has surged over the past decade. According to AAA, eight in 10 drivers admit to expressing significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous 30 days.
While road rage can happen on any street, certain cities see much higher levels of driver aggression. Cities with congested traffic, long commutes and high population density tend to have the most intense road rage incidents -- but which are the worst?
To determine the "Road Rage Capital" of the United States, personal injury law firm Angel Reyes & Associates analyzed 100 cities with the highest number of vehicles used for commuting and collected key metrics that reflect commuting conditions and behaviors associated with road rage, including average daily commute time, commuter dissatisfaction, traffic inefficiency, reckless driving incidents, road rage-related shootings, and time lost in traffic compared to the national average.
Here's a look at the top cities where road rage is most prevalent
#1: Houston, Texas
Houston takes the top spot for road rage, with a staggering Total Road Rage Score of 64.15. The city has a Shooting Score of 36 and a Reckless Driving Score of 69, highlighting frequent violent confrontations and reckless behavior. Houston's sprawling urban layout, combined with a high Commute Dissatisfaction Score of 76, leads to widespread driver frustration.
#2: Los Angeles, California
Known for its dense traffic and endless gridlocks, LA ranks second with a Total Road Rage Score of 63.25. The city's Commute Dissatisfaction Score of 88 and Inefficiency Score of 88 are among the highest in the nation. The prolonged congestion and constant rush contribute to widespread road rage and aggressive driving behavior.
#3: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago's tight traffic and aging infrastructure lead to a Total Road Rage Score of 56.35. Drivers face a Commute Dissatisfaction Score of 77 and a Reckless Driving Score of 46. The city's Shooting Score of 33 highlights the rising tensions as road rage incidents increasingly escalate into violent encounters.
#4: Nashville, Tennessee
With a Total Road Rage Score of 56.25, Nashville's Commute Dissatisfaction Score of 70 and Reckless Driving Score of 63 point to significant frustrations on the road. Additionally, the city's Shooting Score of 26 suggests a disturbing trend of violent altercations tied to road rage.
#5: Miami, Florida
Miami rounds out the top five with a Total Road Rage Score of 56.15. Known for its vibrant but congested streets, the city has a high Commute Dissatisfaction Score of 81, a Reckless Driving Score of 43 and Shooting Score of 24.
The 20 Worst US Cities for Road Rage
1. Houston, TX
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. Chicago, IL
4. Nashville, TN
5. Miami, FL
6. Philadelphia, PA
7. Atlanta, GA
8. Detroit, MI
9. New York, NY
10. Boston, MA
11. Seattle, WA
12. Aurora, CO
13. Austin, TX
14. Dallas, TX
15. San Francisco, CA
16. Tacoma, WA
17. Charlotte, NC
18. Washington, D.C.
19. Arlington, TX
20. Phoenix, AZ
The 20 Most Road Rage-Free Cities in America
1. Lincoln, NB
2. Sioux Falls, SD
3. Omaha, NB
4. Bakersfield, CA
5. Boise City, ID
6. Virginia Beach, VA
7. Tulsa, OK
8. Irving, TX
9. Richmond, VA
10. Norfolk VA
11. St. Paul, MN
12. Lexington, KY
13. Corpus Christi, TX
14. Wichita, KS
15. Lubbock, TX
16. Durham, NC
17. Greensboro, NC
18. Winston-Salem, NC
19. Henderson, NV
20. Fort Wayne, IN